BUTLER, Pa. — Chickens at the Butler Farm Show in the Big Butler Fair are a big draw for crowds, but Channel 11 News has learned they are not allowed this year.
Fears of bird flu and deadly outbreaks of the avian flu across the country have prompted the State Department of Agriculture to put a stop on showing birds this summer.
FREE APPS | NOW | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
- Woman arrested in 2014 murder of man found partially buried in North Oakland
- Class forgoes trip to give principal money to treat cancer
- These are allegedly the 17 least-intelligent dog breeds
- Illinois couple welcomes 100th grandchild
“We understand, and we don’t want to bring in chickens and have one of them have it and then spread it to everyone,” Ben Roenigk said.
Farm officials agree with the state findings and say it’s always safety first.
Chickens and bunnies usually fill the barns, but this year, it will be extra bunnies.
Last year, it was hogs, not chickens, that couldn’t show because of swine flu fears. Officials have been through this before.
“There are plenty of other things to do at these events. We have other farm animals,” Roenigk said.
Fair officials say shutting down the bird showings will not shut down the family fun.